As Myanmar opens to a variety of media, BEC-Tero Plc, Thailand's leading media and entertainment firm, plans to take advantage by setting up a joint venture with the Myanmar broadcaster Forever Group.

A subsidiary of BEC World will hold a 49% stake, while Forever Group, which runs the terrestrial MRTV-4 channel, holds the rest.

Pongpunt Wongnongteoi, BEC-Tero's strategic planning director, said the firm has studied expansion opportunities in neighbouring countries for a couple years.

BEC-Tero will provide technical support and jointly produce TV dramas and morning news talk shows for a new free-to-air Channel 7, which is expected to start broadcasting in mid-April.

The investment budget and expected revenue for the joint venture were undisclosed.

BEC-Tero expects revenue of 3 billion baht this year, up from 2.8 billion last year.

This year it will focus on introducing new entertainment platforms in four fields: on-air, online, on-ground and on-stage.

Deputy managing director Neil Thompson said the new media platforms will help synergise a wide range of media products and attract more sponsors and clients with cross-platform promotions.

In addition to launching new TV shows, BEC-Tero wants to add interactive technology to its two radio stations: Eazy FM 105.5 and 95.5 Virgin Hitz.

The online field will be highlighted this year. It contributes only 1% of the company's total revenue, but Mr Pongpunt expects that figure to increase to 5% in three to four years.

ThaiTicketMajor, a subsidiary ticketing service of BEC World and Major Cineplex Group, will offer more advanced online services and introduce mobile ticketing to customers. It aims to expand to 1,850 branches nationwide by year-end.

Three new online radio stations will be launched this year as well.

BEC-Tero plans to bring 19-20 concerts and events to the country this year including J-rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel, Elton John, Jason Mraz, Earth, Wind & Fire and a Titanic exhibition show.

Mr Thompson is not worried about possible flooding or terrorist threats, and none of the artists have cancelled.